About the Springfield Arts Commission
The Springfield Arts Commission was established by the City Council in 1986 at the end of the Centennial Celebration. The Council charged the Commission to encourage the community’s emerging arts groups, and with the creation of the Art Alley, a series of outdoor murals in the downtown neighborhood.
The first Art Alley mural was a small one at 122 Fifth Street, titled It Ain’t Why, it Just Is, painted by artist Alan Cox in 1988. The second mural, at 130 5th Street, titled Bob the Dog Visits the Old Growth, was painted by John R. Swenson in 1989. Each artist was paid $50 and used materials provided by the Commission.
The Commission accomplishes their work through an active, nine-member volunteer citizen board, a modest annual budget, and part-time staff support.
2024 Regular Meetings
1/9/2024: Agenda | December Minutes | Budget Summary | 2024 Calendar of Activities
1/12/2024: Agenda | January Minutes | Budget Summary
3/12/2024: Agenda | February Minutes | Budget Summary
4/9/2024: Agenda | March Minutes | Budget Summary
5/14/2024: Agenda | January Minutes | February Minutes | April Minutes | Budget Summary 2024
6/11/2024: Agenda | May Minutes | Budget Summary
2024 Subcommittee Meetings
TBD
Located on two walls just outside the entrance to the Springfield Library, City Hall Gallery and the Young Artists Gallery are seen by approximately 3,700 visitors each month. Since 1989, City Hall Gallery has featured monthly shows by regional artists chosen by the Springfield Arts Commission. The Commission issues a public call to artists each year. A new addition to City Hall, the Young Artists Gallery is the only year-round space in Springfield dedicated to showcasing the work of children and young adult artists. The Commission partners with youth-related organizations throughout Lane County to represent the diverse creativity of young people in our community.
2024 City Hall Gallery Exhibits:
December/January: Mayor’s Art Show, SAC winners
January/February: Donald Myers
March: Sarjé Haynes
April: Keith Bennett
May: Melissa Green, Cascades Raptor Center
June: Cindy Ingram
July: Claar, Suiter, Seamster Group
August: Paula Goodbar
September: Ralf Huber
October: Candace Hunter, Sheryl Le Blanc, Sue Redhead
November: Sophia Cromartie December: Erika Wolf
December 2024 – January 2025: Mayor’s Art Show, SAC winners
Springfield Arts Commission’s Annual Call to Artists Now Open
Applications for 2025 City Hall Gallery exhibitions due Sept. 1, 2024
The Springfield Arts Commision (SAC) is now accepting applications for artists to exhibit at City Hall Gallery in 2025. The gallery, located inside City Hall at 225 5th Street, is seen by approximately 3,700 visitors each month. Exhibitions at City Hall Gallery show primarily work created by Oregon artists.
City Hall Gallery accommodates two- and three-dimensional art, and invites artists interested in exhibiting solo or in groups. Curated thematic exhibitions are also encouraged to apply.
The gallery can accommodate two-dimensional work on a wall approximately 70’ wide and has four enclosed acrylic cases available for small to medium three-dimensional works. Exhibits are typically on display for one month. Work exhibited must be suitable to the space and its function. Exhibiting artists may choose to sell their work but must coordinate with buyers directly. There are no exhibit fees and neither the SAC nor the City of Springfield take a percentage of sales.
Interested artists may review guidelines and submit proposals here: https://forms.gle/wa8Cs9iGNpYmX8ak8
The application package includes: 3-10 images of art pieces indicative of the exhibition, an image list that details those art pieces, title, media and size, and information about the artist(s) including contact information, an artist statement, and months of availability. Group applications are welcome.
The deadline to apply is September 1, 2024. Applicants may submit their packages by email to mlinder@springfield-or.gov, or by mail or hand delivery addressed to:
Springfield Arts Commission, 2025 Exhibition Season
225 5th Street
Springfield, OR 97477
Selection will be made by the Springfield Arts Commission. Selected Artists will be notified by November 1, 2024. Please contact Arts Commission Staff Liaison Mindy Linder with any questions at 541-744-3388 or mlinder@springfield-or.gov.
Springfield Arts Commissioners
Arts Commission Roster:
Meredith Branch, Chair
Uyen-thi Nguyen, Vice Chair
Adam Gutierrez
Nicolas Kauffman
Suzanna Vinson
David Grimes, Secretary
Chris Rohaley
Kieth Bennett
Mindy Linder, City Staff Liaison
Beth Blackwell, City Council Liaison, Ward 4
Contact Arts Commission Liaison Mindy Linder at mlinder@springfield-or.gov, 541-744-3388.
Mailing List
Please join our mailing list for updates on the Springfield Arts Commission’s work and opportunities, including City Hall Gallery calls to artists, Heritage Arts Grant announcements, Commissioner openings and more!